Legal Counsel to former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai has condemned the attempted arrest of its client upon his return to Nigeria from Cairo in Egypt.
Ubong Esop Akpan of the Ubong Akpan Chambers threatened legal actions against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over attempt to arrest El-Rufai.
In a statement it issued, the lawyer assured that the former governor would never take any cowardly route of running away from law enforcement agents.
The statement reads partly: “Let us make it publicly and abundantly clear, Malami Nasir El-Rufai will never take the cowardly route of running away from from law enforcement.
“He will honour without preconditions all legitimate law enforcement summons.
“Legal action will be pursued against all persons and agencies responsible for this unconstitutional conduct to uphold accountability and deter future abuses.
“The judiciary remains the ultimate arbiter, and we shall seek redress through all available legal channels to protect the sanctity of the law.
“My lawyers have issued a statement that condemns the illegal attempt to arrest me today at the Abuja airport upon my arrival from Cairo.
“Our country must outgrow executive overreach and deliberate disregard for the rule of law.
“As counsel to Malam Nasir El-Rufai, we unequivocally condemn the attempted illegal arrest of our client by security operatives this afternoon upon his arrival in Abuja via Egypt Air flight MS 877 from Cairo.
“This is a flagrant violation of constitutional rights, executive overreach, and a deliberate disregard for the rule of law.
“The invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, was delivered to Malam El-Rufai’s residence while he was already abroad, rendering it inherently illogical and impractical to demand immediate attendance to answer purported allegations.
“Such an approach defies reason, as it presumes instantaneous compliance from an individual outside the jurisdiction, without regard for logistical realities or legal fairness.”